MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
UK seeks extension on Falklands mine clearance
THE British Government has sought an extension of the deadline for the UK to meet its obligation to clear anti-personnel mines in the Falklands.
Islanders are in support of the request saying money would be better spent on removing landmines from needier parts of the world. The Ottawa Convention allows for the request for a ten-year extension for countries to meet their obligation under the convention to clear land mines in mined areas under their jurisdiction and control. The only mined areas under UK jurisdiction and control are in the Falkland Islands. States Parties to the Convention will consider the extension request in November 2008. The UK extension request points to the significant environmental, technical and geographical challenges that any de-mining operation in the Falklands would face. It indicates how, in contrast with mined areas elsewhere in the world, the humanitarian and socio-economic impact of the minefields in the Falklands is negligible – and it refers to the statement of May 9, 2008 posted by the Falkland Islands Government on its website, which states that FIG would prefer the money to be spent on removing landmines from needier parts of the world. The feasibility study on the clearance of landmines in the Falklands, completed in October 2007, concluded that the clearance of the mines would be challenging but technically possible. But the study highlighted the serious environmental damage to the islands' fragile eco-system that de-mining would cause and the major remediation effort that would be required as a consequence. The influx of a large number of de-miners and heavy machinery for an extended period of time would also cause disruption and be a strain on the Islands small community. The UK extension request points out that the mined areas are clearly marked, fenced and monitored and pose minimal risk to the community. There have been no civilian injuries from the mines since 1982. When landmines do surface and pose a threat in and around the mined areas, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team that is permanently based there clears them. The mined areas cover just over 13 sq. km representing 0.1% of the land used for farming; so their economic impact is negligible. The UK is not alone in submitting an extension request. At least 16 other countries are also expected to do so before the November 2008 meeting of States Parties. The UK is the third largest donor to international mine clearance operations contributing around £10 million a year. By Lisa Johnston – SeAled PR - Stanley
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